No slander, no harm, restraint according to the rule, moderation in eating, dwelling in solitude, and dedication to higher meditation — this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

Anūpavādo anūpaghāto — no slander, no harm: the two negative principles — abstention from harmful speech and violent action. These are the minimum requirements that define the genuine practitioner.

Pātimokkhe ca saṃvaro — restraint according to the rule: pātimokkha is the collection of monastic rules. Saṃvaro is restraint, moderation. For the monk, the discipline of the monastic rule; for the layperson, the discipline of the precepts they have undertaken.

Mattaññutā ca bhattasmiṃ — moderation in eating: mattaññu is knowing the measure. In eating as in everything else, moderation is the middle way — neither excess nor extreme deprivation.

Pantañca sayanāsanaṃ adhicitte ca āyogo — dwelling in solitude and dedication to higher meditation: panta is secluded, remote. Adhicitta is the higher mind, meditation. Solitude and meditation as the context for transformation. This verse complements 183 with more specific practice instructions.